East Metro undefeated at U18 State Champs

East Metro faced Western Waves in the third round and after losing the toss fielded first. There were few significant partnerships as tight bowling and fielding – there were two run outs saw the Western Waves restricted to 8-99. Madeline Wright was the pick of the bowlers with two for 13 from her eight overs. Despite losing an early wicket, as Rosie Wynd trapped Amy Jennings lbw for four, East Metro comfortably chased the target of 100 and won by seven wickets. East Metro batted through till the final over, making 186 and Tansi Price top scored with 38. While the match was still competitive, Wynd took three wickets and finished with three for 23 from her eight overs. Maddy Goldsworthy came on to bowl towards the end of the match and finished up with four wickets for just 11 runs.

Mallee Murray have dropped to third in the ladder following a 72-run defeat to Gippsland Pride. Mallee Murray won the toss and put Gippsland in to bat who made 8-146 as Hayleigh Brennan top-scored with 30. Murray’s skipper, Rhiann O’Donnell was the top wicket-taker with three for 18 from her eight over and Calin Graham and wicketkeeper Annabel Martin picked up two apiece. After losing an early wicket, there was a strong second-wicket partnership of 39 before a batting collapse ensued. Opening bowler Jessica Sanders took five wickets for 26 runs as Gippsland secured their first victory of the Championships.

Central Highlands moved to second in the ladder after a comfortable win over South East Metro. Having own the toss South East Metro elected to bat and only Rebecca Heenan made it into double figures and was dismissed just two runs short of her half-century. South East Metro were all out for 114 inside 31 overs. Sophie Van De Heuvel and Jacinta Gooodger-Chandler shared a 53-run opening stand before Bella Gietzmann had Van De Heuvel caught for 39. Emma Lynch came in at three and top-scored with 40 as Central Highlands recorded their second win of the Championships.

After their second win of the tournament South East Country have moved to fourth on the ladder. After losing the toss and fielding first their bowling was economical and attacking as they dismissed North East Country for just 56 after 20 overs. Amy Yates was the pick of the bowlers, taking six wickets for 20 runs from six overs. South East Country knocked off the runs to win by six wickets.

Northern Rivers also picked up their second win of the Championships after a tight three-wicket win over North Metro. Paris Rafferty was the standout bowler for Northern Rivers taking four wickets for 20 runs from her six overs as she helped to restrict North Metro to 7-145 from their 40 overs. In response Northern Rivers lost two early wickets and were 2-15 after five overs. A rebuild between Hope Irvine and Chloe Rafferty took the score to 48 before a fall of wickets saw Northern Rivers at 6-70. It was a match-winning partnership between Teagan Brett and Renee Leitch which saw Northern Rivers secure a four-wicket win. Rivers then continued batting and Brett reached her half-century which included five fours.

The Championships continue today as the teams play their second 40-over match, aiming for a place in the final which will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 7^th February.